At the heart of the 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic custom - cruiser motorcycle, Kawasaki relies on a 903 cc (55.1 cu in) liquid-cooled v2, four-stroke powerplant. In factory specification, maximum torque reaches 82.4 Nm (60.8 lb-ft) at 3,700 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 5-speed gearbox and belt final drive. Internal engine geometry specifies a bore and stroke of 88.0 x 74.2 mm (3.5 x 2.9 inches) with a 9.5:1 compression ratio.
On the scales, the Vulcan 900 Classic measures 253.1 kg (558 lbs) dry. Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 681 mm (26.8 in) seat height — giving shorter riders and urban commuters confident flat-foot reach at traffic stops, combined with a 1,646 mm (64.8 in) wheelbase engineered for planted straight-line stability. The 20.06-liter (5.3 US gal) fuel tank supports practical everyday commuting and weekend road stints, while factory top speed is listed at 160 km/h (99 mph).
Within MotoLibrary's Kawasaki archive, this model family spans 20 indexed model years from 2006 to 2026, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.
Standover Height
681 mm (26.8 in)
Engine
Displacement903.0 ccm (55.10 cubic inches)
Engine TypeV2, four-stroke
Engine DetailsV2, four-stroke
Torque82.4 Nm (8.4 kgf-m or 60.8 ft.lbs) @ 3700 RPM
Compression9.5:1
Bore x Stroke88.0 x 74.2 mm (3.5 x 2.9 inches)
Valves/Cylinder4
Fuel SystemInjection
Fuel ControlOverhead Valves (OHV)
IgnitionTCBI with Electronic Advance
CoolingLiquid
Transmission
Gearbox5-speed
Final DriveBelt (final drive)
Performance
Top Speed160.0 km/h (99.4 mph)
Chassis
Rake32.0°
Trail160 mm (6.3 inches)
Front Suspension41mm hydraulic telescopic fork
Front Travel150 mm (5.9 inches)
Rear SuspensionUni-Track® swingarm
Rear Travel104 mm (4.1 inches)
Wheelbase1646 mm (64.8 inches)
Wheels & Brakes
Front Tyre130/90-16
Rear Tyre180/70-15
Front BrakesSingle disc
Front Brake Ø272 mm (10.7 inches)
Rear BrakesSingle disc
Rear Brake Ø272 mm (10.7 inches)
Dimensions & Weight
Dry Weight253.1 kg (557.9 pounds)
Seat Height681 mm (26.8 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Overall Height1064 mm (41.9 inches)
Overall Length2464 mm (97.0 inches)
Overall Width1006 mm (39.6 inches)
Fuel Capacity20.06 litres (5.30 US gallons)
Oil Capacity3.70 litres (3.91 US quarts)
Other
StarterElectric
Color OptionsEbony, Candy Cardinal Red, Candy Caribbean Blue, Metallic Titanium
Use this page to compare this motorcycle by its real specifications, not only by model name. Focus on the details that affect fit, comfort, handling, range and ownership.
Torque
Torque is useful for judging real-world pull, especially for touring, commuting and loaded riding.
Seat Height
Check the seat height against your inseam and riding posture before choosing a motorcycle.
Weight
Compare weight carefully because it affects low-speed handling, parking and confidence.
Fuel Capacity
Fuel capacity helps estimate touring range and how often you may need to stop.
Brakes
Brake setup is worth comparing if you ride in traffic, mountains or with a passenger.
Suspension
Suspension details can matter for comfort, road feel and long-distance riding.
Transmission
Transmission and final drive affect maintenance, smoothness and everyday usability.
